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- Tasks: Design and develop advanced FPGA solutions for defence applications.
- Company: Join a leading Defence organisation focused on innovative electronic countermeasures.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £500+ per day, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by protecting personnel from threats in military and civilian environments.
- Qualifications: Experience with FPGA technologies, VHDL/System Verilog, and safety-related firmware is essential.
- Other info: SC clearance required; mentoring opportunities available for junior engineers.
A leading Defence organisation are seeking multiple FPGA Engineers to create advanced solutions for Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) programs, helping to protect personnel from threats like Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in both military and civilian environments.
Essential:
- Using FPGA technologies especially from either Xilinx, Microsemi (Actel) or Lattice and their tools
- Advanced verification techniques using either VHDL or System Verilog / UVM
- Specifying complex timing and area constraints for efficient FPGA place and route
- Ability to analyse system level requirements and derive detailed Firmware requirements
- A methodical approach to the full firmware design lifecycle, working to a structured firmware process such as RTCA DO-254 or similar
- Experience of working on safety related firmware to IEC 61508 would be advantageous.
- De-bugging firmware designs and supporting verification and integration at hardware and system level alongside Software and Hardware Engineers.
- Making technical decisions and mitigating technical risk for Firmware design activities
- Ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines both verbally and in written form
- Familiarity with Siemens EDA FPGA development tools including HDL Designer and ModelSim / Questa is an advantage.
- Engineering experience with radio systems and software defined radio or signal processing an advantage
- Experience of mentoring more junior members of the team
Desirable:
- Awareness of Safety, Security and other legislative constraints
- Domain experience in Electronics Warfare and Electronics Countermeasure.
- SC clearance is essential to start in this position but a lapsed clearance or an exceptional candidate will be considered.
FPGA/Firmware Engineer employer: Keystream Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Keystream Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FPGA/Firmware Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with FPGA technologies, especially if you've worked with Xilinx, Microsemi, or Lattice. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you used these tools, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the structured firmware processes like RTCA DO-254. Being able to talk about how you've applied these methodologies in past projects can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of safety-related firmware standards such as IEC 61508. If you have experience in this area, be ready to share examples of how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to solve problems.
We think you need these skills to ace FPGA/Firmware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience with FPGA technologies, particularly Xilinx, Microsemi, or Lattice. Emphasise your skills in VHDL or System Verilog and any experience with safety-related firmware.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about working in defence and how your background aligns with the role. Mention specific projects where you've used advanced verification techniques or worked on firmware design lifecycles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, especially in technical discussions.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have any certifications related to safety standards like IEC 61508 or experience with RTCA DO-254, make sure to include these in your application. They can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keystream Group Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with FPGA technologies, especially Xilinx, Microsemi, or Lattice. Highlight specific projects where you used VHDL or System Verilog, and be ready to explain your approach to complex timing and area constraints.
✨Demonstrate Your Methodical Approach
Discuss your familiarity with structured firmware processes like RTCA DO-254. Provide examples of how you've applied a methodical approach throughout the firmware design lifecycle, ensuring that you can articulate the importance of this in safety-related firmware.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires collaboration across different disciplines, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Be ready to share experiences where effective communication helped resolve issues or improve project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to mitigate technical risks. Think of scenarios from your past work where you had to make critical decisions regarding firmware design and how you approached those challenges.
